Baltimore County Stage 2 Reopening To Continue Inside And Out

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Indoor dining and outdoor amusements will reopen in Baltimore County at 5 p.m. Friday, in alignment with the governor's orders. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said his office would continue to monitor the data through the process.

"To date, we have taken measured steps to gradually and safely reopen our economy," Olszewski said in a statement. "As we’ve done so, we have also experienced sustained progress in key indicators, including our positivity rate — now the lowest among Maryland’s large counties."

Baltimore County's positivity rate for the coronavirus as of Thursday was 6.33 percent, compared with the statewide average of 7.25 percent, according to state health data.

"We remain hopeful that we can remain on this path to recovery as we continue to monitor key metrics in the days and weeks ahead," Olszewski said.

Starting Friday night, restaurants will be allowed to provide table service at 50 percent capacity, with certain measures built in to protect public health.

• Tables must be at least 6 feet apart. At restaurants with booths, every other booth must be closed.
• No more than six people may sit at a table.
• "Employees and customers should continue to wear facial coverings where applicable or required," guidance from the governor's office says. "Removal of masks is appropriate when customers are consuming food and beverage."

Read Gov. Larry Hogan’s updated executive order that expands stage two reopening measures.

"As we follow Maryland in these reopening steps, it is critical to remember that this disease is still very much with us," Olszewski said. "Without a cure or vaccine, more people will get sick, and more families will lose loved ones."

Baltimore County has 6,985 confirmed cases of the virus, and 386 deaths, with 20 deaths believed to be attributed to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus; however, test results are pending.

More Reopening On June 19

Other businesses, such as gyms and malls, will be allowed to reopen next.

These will reopen at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19:

• Bingo halls
• Bowling alleys
• Casinos
• Indoor gyms, fitness centers, dance studios and martial arts facilities
• Malls, entertainment and recreational attractions
• Pool halls
• Roller and ice skating rinks
• Social and fraternal clubs (e.g., American Legion posts, VFW posts and Elks Clubs)
• Indoor areas of any other establishments subject to the admission and amusement tax

"We must remain vigilant and prepare for the potential of a second spike of infections," Olszewski said. "Every resident and every business should remain cautious. Older residents and those with chronic health conditions, who remain at the highest risk, should take every precaution to protect themselves."

See Also:

• Indoor Dining, Gyms, Malls: Hogan Outlines MD Stage 2 Reopening
• MD Schools Reopening: Summer School, HS Sports, Child Care
• Get Tested For Coronavirus, MD Governor Tells Protesters
• MD Coronavirus Positivity Rate Up Slightly, Hospitalizations Down